Thrift boutiques are seeing more business than ever as people look for ways to cut costs while purchasing quality merchandise. High-end thrift boutiques carry all types of merchandise, from designer clothing and wedding dresses to retro furniture and children's items. Many people are donating and shopping at thrift boutiques as a way to recycle and reuse items, benefiting the environment.

Decide which types of items you will carry in your thrift boutique. You can be a generalist, carrying high-end used merchandise or specialize in one type of merchandise such as boutique clothing, high fashion clothing, vintage or retro furniture. Keep in mind that you will need an endless supply of merchandise for your thrift boutique. Don't make your specialty so narrow that you cannot find enough merchandise.

Find a retail location that you can lease at a favorable rate. Look for a location in a high traffic area or a location near other thrift stores and consignment shops. Having other thrift shops nearby is a bonus because many thrift store customers will visit all of them in search of a bargain.

Find sources of merchandise for your boutique. Solicit donations from family and friends, shop the yard sales and attend auctions. Keep in mind that customers expect a higher quality of merchandise in a thrift boutique, compared to a regular thrift shop. You can also solicit merchandise on consignment. Consignment merchandise is paid when sold, saving you on up-front costs.

Purchase racks and shelving for your thrift boutique. Price your merchandise and place it on shelves for sale. Arrange merchandise in artful displays to showcase your best items.

Obtain a business license, tax license, sign permit and any other licenses required in your local area. File a "Doing Business As" form if you will be doing business under an assumed name.

Purchase a sign to show off your new thrift boutique. You want customers to be able to read the sign from the road.

Open a business bank account for your thrift boutique. Take a copy of your DBA form with you to the bank. Look for an account that allows you to process credit cards. Accepting credit and debit cards increases your sales, especially on large ticket items that may be impulse buys.

Spread the word about your new thrift boutique. Distribute fliers and business cards to friends, family, local businesses and bulletin boards in your area.

About the Author

Diane Watkins has been writing since 1984, with experience in newspaper, newsletter and Web content. She writes two electronic newsletters and has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Clemson University. She has taken graduate courses in biochemistry and education.